Member review

Evil computer boss Dillinger (David Warner) supports his technology empire with a hit video game he shamelessly stole from fired programmer Flynn (Jeff Bridges), with the aid of a "virtual" partner in crime, an intelligent software called the MCP, or Master Control Program. The ambitious MCP, growing ever more powerful, now seeks to dominate the outside world as well.

With the help of some friends left at the company, Flynn tries to break into the company mainframe for evidence of Dillinger's guilt. The MCP, however, uses an experimental laser to "digitize" Flynn, zapping the nuisance human right into the computer circuitry itself. Flynn finds himself in a fantastic electronic world, where glowing humanoids like himself -- the literal embodiments of computer software -- are forced to fight and die in video game-style tournaments as the ruthless MCP maintains its control.

Whilst the storyline appears a little far fetched, I think that it still sums up many people’s feelings towards computers. In 1982, computers were just starting to effect everyone’s lives, this film, I think shows a number of things about technology that are still important today.

First of all, computer companies make huge profits by creating desirable games and gadgets, without thinking about the impact they have on people’s lives. Secondly, people can become addicted to computers games and social networking sites and not lead real lives at all. This almost happens to the hero Flynn who is a victim of the cut throat business that computers create.